ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a behavioural disorder that primarily affects school-aged children.

People diagnosed with ADHD in most cases are hyperactive and unable to control their behaviour, impulses, have difficulty concentrating and paying attention.

These behaviours interfere with school, work, home life and social relationships.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES FACED BY PEOPLE WITH ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects a person’s ability to focus and pay attention. Unfortunately, the challenges associated with ADHD can impact virtually every area of ​​life.

Simple tasks can seem difficult when ADHD is present.

Some examples:

  • Perception of time,
  • Manage focus and attention on demand,
  • Carry on a conversation,
  • Listen well during conversations or presentations,
  • Follow verbal instructions,
  • Difficulty remembering people’s names
  • Compliance with work deadlines,
  • Complete schoolwork,
  • Drive safely,
  • Negative inner dialogue,
  • He tends to be pessimistic,
  • Often lost items,
  • Difficulty making friends,
  • Difficulty not moving,
  • Easily distracted by noise

HOW CAN KARATE HELP CHILDREN WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT AND HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)?

Karate is an excellent practice for people identified as suffering from disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Since mindfulness is a cognitive skill that can be exercised and developed, participating in a karate class often results in life-changing improvements for children and adults.

Exercise can be natural medicine for children – and adults – with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). “There are many studies showings that exercise improves attention, improves cognitive function and improves executive function,” says John Ratey, MD, associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School in Boston . Dr. Ratey has been exploring the connection between exercise and brain performance since the 1980s and is the author of Spark: the revolutionary new science of exercise and the brain.

In recent years, a lot of research has been conducted around the world on the benefits of martial arts and Karate on children with ADHD.

Science agrees that karate training in a traditional setting appears to have extremely positive psychosocial benefits for the practitioner and, by inference, for the family and community at large. A scientific case from the American Journal of Psychotherapy suggests that martial arts such as karate can be a form of mental therapy.

In their report, Dr. Mark Weiser and Dr. Ilan Kutz state that martial arts “improve self-esteem through the provision of physical activity and group experience, and the teaching of relaxation, concentration, assertiveness, directivity and honesty. in communication “.

A Singapore study showed that taking up martial arts improves symptoms of depression and anxiety in the elderly.

In an article published by Dr. Abida Ripley , she reveals the benefits of regular martial arts practice for children and teenagers diagnosed with ADHD. He found that martial arts practice helped ADHD improve their general daily life behaviour which led to improved school performance.

The Dr. M. Morand said the martial arts training has directly improved academic performance in children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD (homework, classroom behaviour, callouts reducing inappropriate in class, etc.).

The Dr. Ramfis L. Márquez-Castilloreported that the martial arts training can alleviate the symptoms of ADHD, and improve academic performance. The overall research findings indicated that people who practice Karate and martial arts have less social dysfunction, greater social skills, better regulation of behaviour and emotions, and better working memory.

Much research claims that the best physical activities for people with ADHD are those with a more individual focus, such as Karate. The fast paced, high octane game of the team sports environment requires the participant to focus on many stimuli. For example, players need to focus on the ball, their position, goal, the position of their teammates and the actions of the opposing team.

For an individual with ADHD, this is a huge task that often leads to disappointment or humiliation. Considering that most karate classes are smaller in size and more intimate than team sports, people with ADHD seem to feel more comfortable, more comfortable communicating with each other in the dojo than they could do on a large playing field. During karate training, each student learns a small group of skills and practices those skills to perfection. Through sparring in a safe environment, students learn to focus their body and mind in the present moment. In Karate, each student receives positive and constructive feedback at short and consistent intervals. Successes gained in the dojo inevitably translate into other areas of life: school, work, home.

WHAT CAN KARATE OFFER TO PEOPLE WITH ADHD?

The practice of Karate has a huge impact on the lives of its practitioners, and this is especially true for people – children, teenagers, and adults alike – who have ADHD.

  • MENTALLY

There are many mental benefits of engaging in Karate for children with ADHD. Karate helps develop self-confidence, self-esteem, concentration, and resilience. These are not small things. All of these benefits have a significant impact on students’ daily lives and will make them better at controlling their mind and behaviour.

  • BENEFITS BETWEEN LABEL AND RITUAL

People with ADHD tend to lack organizational and functional skills. The etiquette found in karate training can help develop these essential skills. These can be developed naturally following the Karate etiquette which is part of Karate training. For example, by bowing to the teacher and other students, kneeling while listening to instructions, wearing the uniform a certain way, performing exercises in the same way, lining up and performing kata, the student slowly learns to develop behaviours that govern both the body than mind.

  • DEVELOP AWARENESS

For many children, teens, and adults with ADHD, paying attention and staying focused are challenges they face daily. Individuals with ADHD suffer from reduced awareness, inattention, and impulsivity. As a result, they often operate without being aware of their surroundings. Due to the nature of its practice, Karate requires a certain level of concentration from the practitioner. The level of attention required to apply Karate techniques alone or with a partner leads to the development of awareness. Awareness is the practice of being aware of yourself, others and what surrounds you in the moment. The development of awareness is of crucial importance and extremely beneficial for people suffering from ADHD as it helps them to pay close attention to their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. In other words, Karate develops a greater awareness of what is happening with you – and around you – from moment to moment. Awareness means being consciously, compassionately, and not judging present to what is happening NOW.

  • CALM THE MIND

Most children, adolescents and adults with ADHD not only suffer from lack of concentration and focus but are also prone to mental excitement and excessive thinking. Through specific breathing techniques and exercises, Karate helps students find and ground oneself their energy centre called “hara”.

  • SELF-DISCIPLINE AND SELF-CONTROL

For children, teenagers and adults, karate leads to greater awareness and self-control. Studies show that martial arts such as karate strengthen neural networks in the brain and allow people with ADHD to practice self-control. By having to listen to commands, follow a certain etiquette and repeat the movements and techniques repeatedly, the student will naturally learn to develop awareness and self-control. Children who are very hyperactive and have difficulty controlling themselves will also benefit greatly from practicing Karate. Over time, the concentration needed to practice Karate will inevitably lead to a greater awareness of one’s action, thus improving self-control. Self-discipline is an extremely useful skill in both life and martial arts.

ADHD disrupts a person’s ability to manage their behaviour, making it exceedingly difficult to follow rules and get things done. The consequences are easy to understand. Being able to control one’s impulses, behaviours and emotions is one of the most important traits a person can have, and that is exactly what Karate teaches. During a Karate lesson, students learn to bow, kneel, observe rules, develop good manners, take care not to hurt partners in practice, etc. All these actions deeply affect and discipline the mind. Karate will not only make the student more aware of himself and others, but also more aware of the present moment. He will learn to better control himself and discipline his behaviour.

  • THE ENVIRONMENT

People with ADHD are very routine oriented and tend to feel safe and comfortable in a structured environment. The facility comforts any child and adult with ADHD. So, what does a good structure look like? Simply put, a good, structured environment is organized and predictable – and that is exactly what a karate dojo is. Karate training provides consistent rules and expectations that are easy to understand and positively empowered students. In such a structured environment, people with ADHD know what to expect, so there is a great sense of comfort and safety that comes with it. The structure of the Karate environment is also designed to help the student assimilate and quickly learn all the technical components of the martial art.

  • SELF MANAGEMENT

Some types of physical activities have been shown to be more suitable for people with ADHD. Activities that require memorization, repetition of sequential movements and individuality (as opposed to team sports) are extremely helpful for people with attention deficit. Karate training includes not only the body, but also the mind and will. It can take a lot of effort, devotion, and time to master the many teachings of Karate. Dedication, concentration, and focus are an essential part of martial arts. Through its various practices, Karate teaches students to focus, focus on the task at hand, but also to calm their minds and pay attention to the present moment.

  • INCREASE CONFIDENCE AND SELF-ESTEEM

ADHD symptoms such as low concentration, forgetfulness, and the need for instant gratification cause people with ADHD to have many negative experiences in life. These disappointing experiences and failures negatively impact their confidence and self-esteem. Attending a karate class can be greatly beneficial for people with ADHD. Over the course of a few months, constant personal successes, and victories in the dojo, such as performing a new technique, will help students with ADHD gain more self-confidence and improve their self-esteem. The positive feedback given by the teacher, the feeling of being accepted by his peers are also essential sources that favour the development of self-esteem for Karate students.

  • HELPS WORK TOWARDS GOALS

Goals are an essential part of every individual’s life. For children and adults with ADHD, setting and working towards a goal can prove to be a difficult task. By practicing Karate, students will actively set goals, such as working hard to learn another kata (form) or perfecting their techniques. All this of course, with the education and support of their peers in total safety. The goal of Karate is not to acquire belts (it is to grow through training), but for people with ADHD (especially children), acquiring the “next belt” can be a source of positive and reinforcing motivation. Seeing children in class having higher ranks and wearing different coloured belts, students can be motivated to work hard and give their best during training. The search for a belt should not become the focus of the practice. A good Karate teacher does not deny the importance of the Karate belt or ranking but should put things into perspective by explaining that the journey is what matters, not just the destination.

  • ENCOURAGES EMOTIONAL AWARENESS

Emotional intelligence, one of the most important aspects to develop as a person, requires a lot of attention and concentration. Karate has the power to develop children, adolescents and adults with adequate social and intellectual skills, skills they will no doubt use outside the dojo. The most important and unique thing that Karate offers to one’s mental health is awareness and emotional control. . Karate actively requires introspection, practitioners are invited and encouraged to connect with their emotions repeatedly during each lesson. Emotional awareness is a powerful tool that can make a difference for those dealing with ADHD.

  • PROVIDES POSITIVE ATTENTION

Providing a child with ADHD with positive attention is a good investment, and that’s exactly what Karate does. By providing the student with encouragement for discipline and hard work, the teacher helps build self-confidence and self-esteem. Karate uses positive reinforcement and mutual respect to motivate students to become the best version of themselves. As students’ progress in grade, they realize improvements in flexibility and agility, have a greater sense of confidence and well-being, and further develop the self-discipline required to achieve goals. The effect of providing positive attention during Karate training will affect every aspect of the student’s life.

  • IMPULSIVITY CONTROL

People with ADHD are sometimes labelled as disruptive or aggressive due to their erratic and impulsive physical and social interactions. Karate focuses on avoiding conflicts and impulsive actions. Teach the student to introspect and to deal with their emotions and impulses. Following the Karate etiquette and observing the rules is a great way to develop a composed and calm mind, moving away from less impulsive and aggressive behaviours.

  • DEVELOP INNER PEACE

Karate training be a form of active meditation that leads to being in tune with yourself and the world around you. By experiencing every moment for yourself and leaving your mind open to all experiences, you will find a feeling of great inner peace. Part of living with ADHD is managing the mood swings that result from the disorder. Karate is a great way to deal with mood swings. Regular Karate practice improves the student’s mood, lifts morale, and helps regulate his emotions – it makes him feel better about himself. Karate training is not only a great way to relieve stress and frustration, but the sense of accomplishment that practitioners get from it will help them feel happier. When you engage in physical activities, your brain secretes chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and adrenaline. These chemicals work together to make you feel good. For people with ADHD, stress can often trigger ADHD symptoms. At the same time, ADHD can cause repeated and long-lasting periods of stress. Stress and anxiety, which can result from approaching deadlines, procrastination, as well as an inability to focus on the job at hand, can further increase stress levels. Stress management in Karate is manifested through several unique training methods and techniques which include breathing and relaxation techniques, which produce a calming effect on the mind and body. These chemicals work together to make you feel good. For people with ADHD, stress can often trigger ADHD symptoms. At the same time, ADHD can cause repeated and long-lasting periods of stress. Stress and anxiety, which can result from approaching deadlines, procrastination, as well as an inability to focus on work at hand, can further increase stress levels. Stress management in Karate is manifested through several unique training methods and techniques which include breathing and relaxation techniques, which produce a calming effect on the mind and body. These chemicals work together to make you feel good. For people with ADHD, stress can often trigger ADHD symptoms. At the same time, ADHD can cause repeated and long-lasting periods of stress. Stress and anxiety, which can result from approaching deadlines, procrastination, as well as an inability to focus on the job at hand, can further increase stress levels. Stress management in Karate is manifested through several unique training methods and techniques which include breathing and relaxation techniques, which produce a calming effect on the mind and body. ADHD can cause repeated and long-lasting periods of stress. Stress and anxiety, which can result from approaching deadlines, procrastination, as well as an inability to focus on the job at hand, can further increase stress levels. Stress management in Karate is manifested through several unique training methods and techniques which include breathing and relaxation techniques, which produce a calming effect on the mind and body. ADHD can cause repeated and long-lasting periods of stress. Stress and anxiety, which can result from approaching deadlines, procrastination, as well as an inability to focus on the job at hand, can further increase stress levels. Stress management in Karate is manifested through several unique training methods and techniques which include breathing and relaxation techniques, which produce a calming effect on the mind and body.

  • SOCIALITY

In a research project conducted by the University of Wisconsin Physical Therapy Department, the findings validated exactly what parents were already witnessing. Due to karate training, people with ADHD, especially children, have basically come out of their shells and developed non-existent social skills. Connecting with other people is essential to building a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life. Many people with ADHD find it difficult to make friends, and karate training can help them gain the confidence and self-esteem they need to develop healthy relationships with their peers. Karate directly improves social skills, everyone feels accepted (a dojo is a place of respect and acceptance) and by developing self-confidence, they become more complete in social situations. Making friends and maintaining friendships can be difficult for people with ADHD. Karate lessons can help these people gain the confidence they need to form healthy relationships with their peers. In general, a Karate dojo is a very favourable place where age, gender, status, intelligence, or skill do not matter – everyone is the same. In Karate everyone starts as a white belt, as a beginner, and most, if not all, remember exactly what it feels like to be an absolute beginner in a new dojo. As a matter of fact, practicing Karate creates friendships. People sweat, work hard, and strive to achieve their goals together, this creates bonds and, often, bonds that last a lifetime. Making friends and maintaining friendships can be difficult for people with ADHD. Karate lessons can help these people gain the confidence they need to form healthy relationships with their peers. In general, a Karate dojo is a very favourable place where age, gender, status, intelligence, or skill do not matter – everyone is the same. In Karate everyone starts as a white belt, as a beginner, and most, if not all, remember exactly what it feels like to be an absolute beginner in a new dojo. As a matter of fact, practicing Karate creates friendships. People sweat, work hard, and strive to achieve their goals together, this creates bonds and, often, bonds that last a lifetime. Making friends and maintaining friendships can be difficult for people with ADHD. Karate lessons can help these people gain the confidence they need to form healthy relationships with their peers. In general, a Karate dojo is a very favourable place where age, gender, status, intelligence, or skill don’t matter – everyone is the same. In Karate everyone starts as a white belt, as a beginner, and most, if not all, remember exactly what it feels like to be an absolute beginner in a new dojo. As a matter of fact, practicing Karate creates friendships. People sweat, work hard, and strive to achieve their goals together, this creates bonds and, often, bonds that last a lifetime. Karate lessons can help these people gain the confidence they need to form healthy relationships with their peers. In general, a Karate dojo is a very favourable place where age, gender, status, intelligence, or skill do not matter – everyone is the same. In Karate everyone starts as a white belt, as a beginner, and most, if not all, remember exactly what it feels like to be an absolute beginner in a new dojo. As a matter of fact, practicing Karate creates friendships. People sweat, work hard, and strive to achieve their goals together, this creates bonds and, often, bonds that last a lifetime. Karate lessons can help these people gain the confidence they need to form healthy relationships with their peers. In general, a Karate dojo is a very favourable place where age, gender, status, intelligence, or skill do not matter – everyone is the same. In Karate everyone starts as a white belt, as a beginner, and most, if not all, remember exactly what it feels like to be an absolute beginner in a new dojo. As a matter of fact, practicing Karate creates friendships. People sweat, work hard, and strive to achieve their goals together, this creates bonds and, often, bonds that last a lifetime. a Karate dojo is a very favourable place where age, gender, status, intelligence, or skill do not matter – everyone is the same. In Karate everyone starts as a white belt, as a beginner, and most, if not all, remember exactly what it feels like to be an absolute beginner in a new dojo. As a matter of fact, practicing Karate creates friendships. People sweat, work hard, and strive to achieve their goals together, this creates bonds and, often, bonds that last a lifetime. a Karate dojo is a very favourable place where age, gender, status, intelligence, or skill do not matter – everyone is the same. In Karate everyone starts as a white belt, as a beginner, and most, if not all, remember exactly what it feels like to be an absolute beginner in a new dojo. As a matter of fact, practicing Karate creates friendships. People sweat, work hard, and strive to achieve their goals together, this creates bonds and, often, bonds that last a lifetime. As a matter of fact, practicing Karate creates friendships. People sweat, work hard, and strive to achieve their goals together, this creates bonds and, often, bonds that last a lifetime. As a matter of fact, practicing Karate creates friendships. People sweat, work hard, and strive to achieve their goals together, this creates bonds and, often, bonds that last a lifetime.

  • IMPROVE THE ABILITY TO SPEAK AND EXPRESS THOUGHTS

Communication can be quite challenging. Karate training can help develop social and interpersonal skills in amazing ways. Karate lessons teach students to communicate effectively with their teachers and other students. For example, when asking teachers questions, the student must clearly express their thoughts so that the problem is understood correctly. In addition, it is quite common for students to form small groups in which they will have to learn to speak and communicate with each other. Parents often comment on how much more articulate their child is after only a few months of karate training.

  • HELPS TO OVERCOME SHYNESS

In general, due to their poor social skills and shyness, people with ADHD tend to be loners. For people suffering from crippling shyness, team sports such as soccer are not the best choice. According to psychology, the best way to encourage a person with ADHD to overcome their fears and shyness is to practice a sport that encourages individual interaction, such as Karate. Karate practice allows the student to succeed and excel on an individual level without competing with other team members for play time. The more a person succeeds in Karate, the more he becomes aware of what he can accomplish, the more confident he becomes. Finding out who they really are and what they can accomplish,

  • HELPS TO CHANNEL ENERGY

It is a known fact, people with ADHD need to move and be active, especially children. A recent study showing regular karate practice reduced the severity of ADHD symptoms and improved cognitive functioning. People with ADHD tend to enjoy fast-paced, high-octane environments. This is exactly what karate lessons can be at times. There is a time to calm down and reflect in a karate class, but there are also many moments for action! The training serves as an outlet for the child to channel his energy to perform specific tasks. Students practicing, will scream and strain as they strive to their fullest energy potential – something hyperactive people really appreciate!

  • CALM THE BODY

It is a known fact, people with ADHD are in constant motion, especially children, they need to move! By learning to control the mind, karate students directly learn to control their own body, as the body reflects the mind. In other words, mental calmness and self-awareness lead to physical composure and calm. This attention and calm developed through Karate will have a considerable impact on the lives of people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: school, work and social relationships will all benefit.

  • PRODUCING WELLNESS HORMONE

Whenever you practice Karate or any other physical activity, your body releases hormones, especially endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. These feel-good hormones are key to many psychological and mental benefits such as mood improvement, stress relief, significantly greater happiness, and joy along with the feeling of being more alive. The effect of these happiness hormones is not limited to just the immediate moment during training. By exercising regularly, the concentration of the hormone continuously increases in many areas of the brain.

CAN KARATE CURE ADHD?

There is no known cure for ADHD, but several options can help children, teens, and adults manage their symptoms. One of these options is Karate. Karate may not be a cure, but it sure is life changing! Unlike most team sports, Karate focuses on the personal growth of an individual, rather than comparing with others. This makes Karate an excellent choice for people with ADHD. Through practicing karate, you will see everything from increased self-esteem to higher self-esteem and better focus as you progress in your training.

Because Karate teaches students to properly regulate their behaviour, focus and pay attention, people with ADHD learn – over time – to calm their mind and body, and to be present in the moment. Practicing karate provides much-needed structure and consistency, which children and adolescents with ADHD may otherwise not have in their life. By offering structure in controlled environments, young people can slowly but effectively learn to self-regulate. Karate also helps develop personal and social skills, qualities they will maintain throughout their lives.